EURO 2016: Northern Ireland progress to knockout stages in France

Richard Mulligan

Published:21:56Tuesday 21 June 2016

Share this article

NORTHERN IRELAND 0 GERMANY 1

Northern Ireland have qualified for the last-16 knockout stages of the European Football Championships in France.

In spite of a 1-0 loss to Group C winners Germany on Tuesday evening in Parc des Princes, Paris, Turkey’s 2-0 win over Czech Republic in Pool D later ensured Michael O’Neill’s team would be one of the four best third placed finishing sides across the six groups.

It is Northern Ireland’s first European championships and the first time they have qualified for a major tournament in 30 years.

A 2-0 win over Ukraine proved vital after an opening Group C 1-0 loss to Poland.

On Tuesday night, goalkeeper Michael McGovern proved the hero for Northern Ireland as he restricted World Champions Germany to just a solitary goal, perserving Northern Ireland’s goal difference and keeping them as serious contenders for progression to the knockout stages.

Northern Ireland’s players gave goalkeeper McGovern a standing ovation in the dressing room after his magnificent display.

“Michael had a fantastic night in goal, he’s had a fantastic tournament,” said O’Neill.

“He didn’t put a foot wrong all night. The players gave him a round of applause when he came in the dressing room and when that happens you don’t really need the manager to say any more to be honest.

“It was a phenomenal performance and up there probably with the great goalkeeping performances we’ve had in the past from the likes of Pat Jennings, Tommy Wright, Maik Taylor.

“He’s an exceptional goalkeeper.”

Ulstermen do not throw around names like Jennings lightly, but this was no trifling performance from McGovern.

Arguably it was the best the tournament has seen and, with no new deal yet penned at New Douglas Park, O’Neill expects suitors to be circling this summer.